WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court heard its first test on Wednesday of state abortion bans that have been enacted since the court upended the Roe v. Wade constitutional right to abortion. While the current case involves an Idaho abortion ban, the court’s ruling could have implications beyond that state.
Idaho lawmakers have banned abortion except when a mother’s life is at risk. The Biden administration says the state law conflicts with a federal law requiring emergency room doctors to stabilize patients, no matter what, even if that means an abortion.
How the court will rule is uncertain. The justices could make a major ruling — or they could rule narrowly on how Idaho’s state law interacts with the federal law, the the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act ( EMTALA ).
A look at the key points in Wednesday’s arguments.
Attorneys for both sides warned that the justices’ ruling could affect women and doctors far beyond Idaho, changing how emergency rooms treat patients in many other states.
“There are 22 states with abortion laws on the books,” said Attorney Joshua N. Turner, who represented Idaho. “This isn’t going to end with Idaho. … This question is going to come up in state after state.”
Culture, history and golden beaches to rival those in the Caribbean
Xi Meets Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister
Discharge is against right to clean environment, activist says
Mbappe nets twice in win over Lorient but PSG's title party delayed by Monaco victory
Russia withstands sanctions pressure, Putin says
(W.E. Talk) Salikyu Sangtam: How to view global politics from the Chinese Tianxia perspective?
China's new factory data evidence of good momentum in its economy: FM spokesperson
Kourtney Kardashian, 45, shows off her incredible post
International gold price expected to continue rising: analysts